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How barcodes and QR Codes work
This Computing video supports teachers in guiding the children through how barcodes and QR codes are used to store and transfer data.
The video demonstrates how products were once processed manually and how unique product codes (UPCs) were developed to improve speed and accuracy. It explains how barcodes were inspired by Morse code and shows how scanners use reflected light to read black and white lines, translating them into digits. The video also introduces QR codes as two-dimensional barcodes that can store thousands of characters and link to digital content. The lesson builds understanding of technological systems, supporting the children in learning how data is stored and accessed and preparing them for the next stage, which is exploring other wireless forms of data transmission.
This video is part of the Year 6 Data handling 1: Big Data 1 unit, supporting the children to develop their understanding of how data is processed in everyday contexts.
See more of our Year 6 Computing scheme of work.
